A LABOR (DAY) OF LOVE. 💙

So blessed to have spent another holiday with my boys. 💙There are no words to describe my gratitude for the blessing of a son and a wonderful husband to share this thing called life. We didn't do much this holiday, but doing little with these guys is way more exciting than doing a lot without them. I am so grateful that God would entrust me with these beautiful creatures.😁🙏🏾

 

OUR MINI PHOTOSHOOT CAPTURES ARE UP NEXT LOL

That smile melts my heart every time!

That smile melts my heart every time!

Eilan is totally ready for the runway. 😌😁

Look out! Here he comes! 

Thanks so much for stopping by my site again. I'll see you all in the next post! 

xx,

Ker-Leen™

HELLO 30!

I have to admit it, before about a few months ago, I wasn't thrilled at the idea of turning 30. Although I don't look a day older than my mid-twenties I dreaded how I would feel. I dreaded, mainly, the thought of coming face-to-face with all of the things I haven't accomplished yet. I have a long list of achievements I want to hold, places I want to go, and people I want to meet. I am far from what I would consider the end of that list. I was caught up in the 'should of' and 'what-ifs' like we've all been before. Then, one day, it came to me (probably God speaking, I'm sure), I should make a list of all of the things I've accomplished up to this point in my life. So, I began to try and list every good thing I've ever experienced. And, while I would like to share that entire list with you all, I decided it would be more practical to share some of the highlights I've been fortunate enough to experience.

1. Accepting Jesus as my Lord and Savior at 16

2. Graduating college with a Bachelor's degree at 21

3. Marrying the love of my life at 21

4. Dedicating my talents to Jesus and releasing 2 music projects dedicated to Him at 22

5. Purchasing my first home at the age of at 23

6. Building a following online; sharing Jesus through my life daily (style blogging; YouTube) at 24

7. Graduating with my Master's degree at 25

8. Getting hired to teach at a higher learning institution at 25

9. Traveling the world with my husband at 25

10. Performing original music at a festival (Black Heritage Festival) for thousands of attendees at 27

11. Birthing a healthy, beautiful baby boy after getting through two miscarriages at 28

There is so much more I can list here, but these are the most memorable moments. So many times we can get caught up in the negative and then we start playing God in our lives; trying to dictate what happens next. I cannot tell you how many times I've tried to do that. Each time, I failed miserably. If we say that we believe in Him we have to be content with where He has placed us and divorce our ideas of what our lives should be like.  I came to this realization and then God revealed to me the many things that He has done in and through my life. I am so blessed!!! I've done what most people can only dream of doing, and guess what? He is NOT done with me yet!! I can't wait to see what's next in God's book called my life! I've made it to chapter 30! Be encouraged! Let God use you right now and look to Him- not to the left at this person or to the right at that celebrity- but look to God Let Him write that beautiful story that is your life!

Photos of Some of the Memorable Moments on My List

One of the Amazing Things We Did for My Birthday -- The Zoo! :) 

We did a few really special things for my bday thanks to my amazing hubby. It was one to remember. One of the places we visited was the zoo. I've wanted to do this with Eilan for a while, so we had an amazing time. We've visited before, but It was Eilan's first time!!

I've realized that God wants to use our lives for His glory. He will tell us when to move and how. The important thing is to stay tuned in to Him so we can hear those directions. You can't be tuned into God and obsessed with the hottest celebrity. Don't get me wrong, inspiration is a good thing. That's what I hope my life does-- inspire. Just don't get so caught up being inspired that you fail to listen to God and get stuck behind that computer or that phone.

Realize that there is an enemy, called Satan, who is out to destroy the plans that God has for you. He is not playing fair and will not take pity on you. He wants to use whatever makes you weak so he can rob you of what God has for you. Be intentional about what you allow into you heart and mind, what you listen to and watch, because that is what he will use. Spend time daily with God and follow people who draw you closer to Him, and inspire you to be a better version of you. Share Jesus and His love to others wherever you He has placed you and watch Him do some beautiful things with your life! That's what He's done for me...and there's more to come! ;)

Okay, I'm done preaching...for now lol. Thank you so much for stopping by for this special post! Hugs and kisses! 

xx,

Ker-Leen™

Ker-Leen™Comment
MINI THRIFT STYLEBOOK!

Hey Hey Hey! 

Thanks for meeting me back here on this lovely Friday morning! I hope that your week has been great and I pray that your weekend is even more exciting! I'm sharing some Friday fashion inspo. with you today and I hope that it encourages you to try something new with your style this weekend!

I styled two looks using pieces that I've thrifted recently and some that I've owned for quite some time. I hope you ENJOY! 

YOU CAN WATCH THE VIDEO HERE!  

Dress: Thrifted (Slinky Brand HSN)

Belt: Old Purchase

Heels: Charlotte Russe

Hat: Old Forever21 Purchase

GAP Blouse: Thrifted

Levi's Jeans: Thrifted- Salvation Army

Heels: Charlotte Russe

SEE THESE LOOKS IN MOTION HERE! 

What are your favorite places  to go thrifting? Leave me your comments below! See you in the next post! 

xx,

Ker-Leen™

 

DRESSING UP THE BATHING SUIT! 👙

Hey Everyone! 

I'm back with another look for you! First off though, I want to thank you from the deepest recesses of my heart for taking the time to stop by my site. I do not take your support lightly, as it is what helps me stay motivated! Feel free to leave a friendly comment below to let me know what you think!

Believe it or not, the polka dotted fabric peeking through my sheer blouse is a bathing suit! This past weekend hubby and I decided to take a drive out by the Bay. I wasn't sure whether we would get in the water or not so I popped my bathing suit under my clothes just in case.

During this process I realized that bathing suits can be dressed up just as you would for a body suit. Besides they are essentially the same thing, right? The bathing suit is usually lined, wired, and padded for support and resistance. Anywho, I hope this looks gives you some inspiration! As Summer winds down to a close you can still take some of your favorite full body suits and transition them into your Fall wardrobe! 

Sheer Blouse: 599 Fashion

Cat-Eye Sunnies: (Similar)

Bathing Suit: Old Purchase

Bodycon Skirt: Forever21

 Jeweled Flats: Old Purchase

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We took Champ out to practice his new walking skills and he really enjoyed it! We love this little guy so much! Every day with him is such a gift. 

See you in the next post,

Ker-Leen™

THE PERFECT OFF-THE-SHOULDER SUMMER DRESS!!

Hi Everyone!! 

Today's post is all about this adorable ruffle/off-the-shoulder number!! I was gifted this beautiful denim dress from Nissy's Closet Tales! I was in the market for something like this to rock this summer, and this couldn't have come at a better time! 

I love the off-the-shoulder detail, but I'm also grateful for the straps on this dress. It's in a denim material, but the cut of the fabric sends this dress away from the body, so I can keep cool. The length is short, so if you are over 5'1, I would recommend being ready to rock this with some shorts or leggings. 

I felt very chic and glam in this beauty! This beautiful garment is giving me ethnic, spaniard, bohemian vibes and I am in love! I can't wait to style it over and over again. I may do a styling video with this one in the near future so stay tuned!! In the mean time, check out Nissy's Closet Tales for some affordable and trendy summer fashions! 

How I styled it:

  • Feather Earrings: DIY
  • Leopard Print Bangle: Old Purchase
  • Chunky Wooden Platform Sandals: Calvin Klein

GET THIS DRESS HERE!

GET THIS DRESS HERE!

xx,

Ker-Leen™

THRIFT LOOKBOOK: AUGUST 2016

Hi Everyone! 

Thanks so much for stopping by my site today! I put together some of my recent thrift finds into a motion lookbook for you!! Thrifting has always been one of my favorite things to do! I love the thrill of finding hidden gems (in great condition) for little to nothing!

Saving money and looking great is totally possible! I find it especially enthralling when I can take a thrifted piece and work it into my wardrobe seamlessly. I try not to make it obvious that I went thrift shopping when I put a look together. Hope you enjoy my looks! 

WATCH THE MOTION LOOKBOOK HERE!!!

Hat: Aldo Shoes

Blouse: Thrifted (Ann Taylor Loft)

Jeans Shorts: Thrifted

Pumps: Forever21

Blouse: Thrifted

Circle Skirt: Thrifted

Choker: Forever21

Nude Sandals: Charlotte Russe

Crown: Charlotte Russe

Pencil Skirt:/Choker: Forever21 Plus

Floral Cardigan: Thrifted

Booties: Charlotte Russe

WATCH THE MOTION LOOKBOOK HERE!!!

See you in the next post,

Ker-Leen™

FASHION MINUTE: HOW TO GLAM UP YOUR CARGO PANTS!

Hey Everyone!!! Thanks so much for stopping by the style diary again! I've been absent for a couple of weeks due to recent events in the media. It's hard to be creative when you are burdened with all that is going on in the world. I chose to pray, and take an introspected look at how I can contribute to my country in the fight for justice and racial equality. I will update you guys about all of that in a later post. 

On a lighter note, styling my looks always makes me feel better! There is just something , almost medicinal for me, about getting up and getting dressed. It makes me feel like I can "conquer the world", if you will. In today's look, I dug in to the recesses of my closet and procured a pair of cargo pants/shorts I purchased quite some time ago. To disclose the date of purchase would be rather embarrassing, so I will keep that info to myself! Haha! 

I decided to take a feminine approach to the masculine repute of the cargo pant. I paired the pants with a recent thrift purchase (a flowy Ann Taylor Loft blouse), chandelier earrings, my latest shoe obsession (my nude minimalist sandal), and my "diaper bag". Oh, I almost forgot the pop of color on my wrist: that was a gift from my sister! Enjoy! 

 

SEE THIS LOOK IN MOTION HERE!!!

Cargo Pants: Ecologie / Nude Sandals: Charlotte Russe / "Diaper Bag": Rosetti Handbags

Chandelier Earrings: A Gift.

Ann Taylor Loft Blouse: Thrift Find. / Statement bracelet for a fun pop of color: A Gift.

As you can see, it's totally possible to put together a season-appropriate ensemble that is both fabulous and affordable. I did not have to go retail shopping for a single thing. I think the key is to purchase staple items (statement jewelry, nude heels, a quality handbag, solid colors, etc.) in order to gain maximum use from your wardrobe. You will always look like you have on a new outfit, when, if fact, its simply a new combination! 

SEE THIS LOOK IN MOTION HERE!!!

EASY DIY POM-POM SANDALS!!

Here's a fun summer do-it-yourself project for you! Before you throw out that old pair of sandals...STOP! Have you considered upcycling them? 

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

Upcycling: "processing (used goods or waste material) so as to produce something that is often better than the original." -Dictionary.com

I purchased some pom-poms, feathers, and craft glue from Michael's and I already owned a pair of loved sandals. This project came in at under $10! 

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

Thanks for stopping by, again! 

xx,

Ker-Leen™

Ker-Leen™
FASHION MINUTE: STYLING A POLO SHIRT

Hey you! 

Thanks for stopping by my site today! I styled this polo shirt for Father's day and  loved the way the look turned out. 'Polo shirts' was the theme of our family look. They can be very difficult to style on a woman, but I think a few elements helped it come together in my case. I tied a knot with the shirt at my hips, over the top of my jeans. I also wore a choker and 'countrified' this look with my wide-brim fedora. Lastly, I added a pair of appropriate heels. The end result was a fun semi-androgynous Western-inspired ensemble. Enjoy! 

 

Hat: Forever21/Choker: Forever21/ Polo: H&M (SImilar)/ Jeans: Old Purchase/ Heels: Forever21

So, tell me how you style or would style a polo shirt? Leave a comment below! 

 

Be Inspired xx,

Ker-Leen™